CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound derived from the cannabis sativa plant. The use of CBD by humans dates back to 8000 BC, and these days this compound can be taken in a variety of ways, evoking the production of many different CBD-based products. CBD has little or no tetrahydrocannabinol content, so, unlike THC, it won’t get you high. In this article, we will tell you about seven potential benefits of CBD oil as well as give you more information about the side effects you may experience when taking CBD oil. In addition, we will mention some ways you can use CBD oil.
#1 – Pain Relief
Multiple studies have shown that CBD oil can potentially have pain-relieving effects. This study found that topical use of CBD may reduce arthritis pain-related behaviours and inflammation without evident side effects. Another study showed that CBD can potentially help relieve chronic pain by influencing the activity of endocannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. So how to use CBD oil for pain? You can apply it topically (directly to your skin and then massaging it in), consume the product sublingually or add it to your favorite foods or drinks. Just remember that the different ways you consume CBD oil will have varying durations to bring about the desired effect as well as to wear off.
#2 – Treating anxiety and depression
Anxiety and stress are among the most common disorders in the world. As statistics show, more than 10% of adults have some form of anxiety and about one-third of people around the world reported feeling stressed, worried or angry in 2019. One study found that CBD oil may have the potential to combat stress and anxiety. According to another study, a 300 mg dose of oral CBD may provide the best results in reducing anxiety. Moreover, several animal studies have proven the potential positive effects of CBD oil.
#3 – Combating cancer-related symptoms
As various studies have reported, CBD oil can be used to prevent symptoms related to cancer, as well as side effects from the treatment of the disease. On the other hand, more research is still needed to assess the efficacy and safety of CBD oil in this particular case.
#4 – Reducing acne
About 9% of the world’s population is affected by acne. Several studies have shown that CBD oil can reduce acne, excessive fat production and inflammation. The cannabis compound can potentially normalize the elevated fat production triggered by pro-acne agents. CBD can also inhibit the activation of pro-inflammatory receptors, thereby reducing pain and redness.
#5 – Potential neuroprotective properties
Various studies have shown that CBD oil may have positive neuroprotective applications. Despite these studies being quite new, their results seem promising. According to this study, CBD oil may reduce seizures in people suffering from epilepsy. Also, CBD oil can possibly improve quality of life and sleep for people with Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, according to one study, CBD can reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
#6 – Improving heart health
Another potential benefit of using CBD oil is its effect on the heart’s health. In particular, it can be taken for high blood pressure. This study showed that subjects who were given CBD experienced reduced blood pressure. Another study found that CBD treatments prevented heart damage in diabetic mice with heart disease. Moreover, several animal studies indicated that CBD oil may improve vasorelaxation.
#7 – Other potential benefits
Here are some other cases where CBD oil may have potential benefits:
As this study reported, CBD oil may have antipsychotic effects.
In some studies, CBD has been shown to have anti-tumour effects.
In another article, treating diabetic mice with CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes by more than 50%.
Side effects
Every coin has two sides. Besides CBD oil benefits, there are some potential CBD oil side effects that can be caused by taking cannabidiol. Let’s review the main ones below:
- According to this study, taking CBD can cause fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight.
- Another study showed that large doses of cannabis extracts rich in CBD may cause liver toxicity.
- CBD can be harmful when interacting with different medications. In this case, you should be careful when using medications with the so-called “grapefruit warning”, because both grapefruit and CBD interact with the same group of enzymes.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there is a variety of research regarding CBD oil and its potential benefits and side effects. However, keep in mind that more research is still needed to find out the true effects of CBD. When it comes to CBD, Alpinols recommends that you consult with your doctor before taking any product containing cannabidiol. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always ready to answer your questions and help you choose the best CBD oil.